Best Kitchen Tools for People Who Can't Cook
Look, there's no shame in not knowing how to cook. Plenty of adults survive on takeout, frozen meals, and the occasional sad scrambled egg. But at some point you realize it would be nice to make actual food — and you don't need a kitchen full of fancy gadgets to get there. The secret most cooking content won't tell you: you need like five things to cook 90% of meals. A decent knife, a good pan, a way to measure heat, and something to stir with. That's basically it. Everything else is a nice-to-have. We've picked the starter gear that'll serve you for years without cluttering up your cabinets. And here's some encouragement — cooking is a skill, not a talent. Nobody's born good at it. The first few meals might be rough, but a month in you'll be making stuff that impresses you. Start simple and build up.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best For | Key Pros | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet (12-inch) | Skillet | Virtually indestructible | Buy on Amazon |
| Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker 6 Qt | Pressure-Cooker | Seven appliances in one unit saves significant counter and cabinet space | Buy on Amazon |
| COSORI Air Fryer Pro LE 5-Qt | Air-Fryer | 9 preset cooking functions | Buy on Amazon |
| OXO Good Grips 11-Piece Kitchen Utensil Set | Utensils | Complete 11-piece set | Buy on Amazon |
| Instant Read Meat Thermometer by ThermoPro | Thermometer | Reads temperature in seconds | Buy on Amazon |
| Wüsthof Classic 8-Inch Chef's Knife | Knife | Forged high-carbon steel holds an edge exceptionally well | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Look at Each Product
Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet (12-inch)
Pre-seasoned 12-inch cast iron skillet ready to use out of the box. Unmatched heat retention and even heating across the cooking surface. Use on any cooktop, in the oven, on the grill, or over a campfire. Durable construction that improves with every use.
- Virtually indestructible
- Excellent heat retention
- Works on all heat sources
- Gets better with age
- Heavy
- Requires some maintenance
Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker 6 Qt
The Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 combines a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, saute pan, yogurt maker, and food warmer into a single countertop appliance. It can reduce conventional cooking times by up to 70% while retaining nutrients and developing deep flavors under pressure. The stainless steel inner pot is dishwasher safe and the 6-quart capacity handles meals for up to six people.
- Seven appliances in one unit saves significant counter and cabinet space
- Reduces cooking time by up to 70% compared to conventional methods
- Dishwasher-safe stainless steel inner pot simplifies cleanup
- Learning curve for pressure cooking timing requires initial experimentation
- Steam release valve can spray starchy water with high-liquid recipes
COSORI Air Fryer Pro LE 5-Qt
5-quart capacity air fryer with 9 one-touch cooking functions. Shake reminder for even cooking results. Dishwasher-safe basket for easy cleanup. Cooks food with up to 85% less oil than traditional frying.
- 9 preset cooking functions
- Dishwasher-safe basket
- Compact 5-qt size
- Shake reminder feature
- Small for large families
- No window to see food
OXO Good Grips 11-Piece Kitchen Utensil Set
Complete kitchen utensil set including tongs, spatula, spoon, ladle, and more. Heat-resistant silicone heads safe up to 600°F. Comfortable non-slip handles. Dishwasher safe. Won't scratch non-stick cookware.
- Complete 11-piece set
- Heat resistant to 600°F
- Non-stick cookware safe
- Dishwasher safe
- Silicone heads can stain
- Some pieces feel lightweight
Instant Read Meat Thermometer by ThermoPro
Fast and accurate digital meat thermometer that delivers readings in 3-4 seconds through a long stainless steel probe. Essential for safely cooking chicken, steak, and roasts to the perfect internal temperature every time.
- Reads temperature in seconds
- Long foldable probe
- Easy-to-read display
- Very affordable
- Not oven-safe for leaving in
- Battery type can be hard to find
Wüsthof Classic 8-Inch Chef's Knife
The Wüsthof Classic 8-inch chef's knife is forged from a single piece of high-carbon stainless steel and hand-finished to a precise 14-degree edge. Its full tang and triple-riveted handle provide balance and control for everyday cutting tasks. A lifetime warranty backs this professional-grade German knife.
- Forged high-carbon steel holds an edge exceptionally well
- Full tang construction provides superior balance
- Backed by a Wüsthof lifetime warranty
- Premium price point compared to entry-level knives
- Requires hand washing to preserve the edge
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the one pan I should buy first?
A 12-inch cast iron skillet. It's the most versatile piece of cookware you can own — sears meat, makes pancakes, goes in the oven, and literally lasts a lifetime. The Lodge 12-inch is the one to get. It comes pre-seasoned so you can start using it right away. Just don't put it in the dishwasher.
Do I really need a good knife?
This is the single biggest upgrade you can make. A sharp 8-inch chef's knife makes cooking faster, easier, and actually safer — dull knives slip more. You don't need a $200 knife to start, but don't buy a $10 one either. The Wusthof Classic is an investment that pays off every single time you cook.
Is an Instant Pot good for beginners?
It's fantastic for beginners because dump-and-go recipes are almost impossible to mess up. Throw in chicken, broth, and some seasonings, hit the button, and you've got dinner. The built-in timer means you can't overcook things the way you can on a stovetop. It's basically foolproof.
What should I cook first?
Stir fry. Seriously. Cut up whatever vegetables you have, toss them in a hot pan with some oil and soy sauce, and serve over rice. It's fast, hard to screw up, and teaches you basic knife skills and heat control. After that, try a simple pasta dish. You'll build confidence quickly.